Sandy Orgoglioso: Moffat County

To the editor:We all have ups and downs in life, and things usually turn out good and we do fine. During one of my down times, Cory Hixson helped me with some heavy work. I'll never forget the kindness and heart he brought to his work as he helped me. He just gave up an eye in service to us, his country.

I had many meals with Chance Phelps at the table of my friend, on the ranch he and I loved, and knew much joy and peace. Chance died in sacrifice for us serving his country.

Then I thought of these very young, good men during election time, and I felt compelled to write a letter. What I ask of all of us to do in their honor is to investigate and learn the issues; to break through the negative ads and the big money and craziness that gets involved with campaigns. Go to the library and read analyses of timely issues.

Don't always like to believe what you read? Then go online or phone -- any form of contact -- to personally ask questions of the candidates. Locally it would be easy to have a cup of coffee with a candidate or even invite them to your home.

If a local candidate hits hard and negatively on a county department or person, stop and go in and get educated on your own, face to face with that department. Find out for yourself what's happening.

I guess my hope is that individual education and hard work, learning facts and issues will give some hope for respect and responsible freedom and voting, matching, or at least honoring, the sacrifices young good people make every day, thousands of miles away from everything they love and long for.

With our commitment to investigate the facts behind each issue, maybe our country's purpose and spirit will be redirected.

Those who come home instead of dying will come back to a more positive place and country.